Wendell E. "Joe" Swann

Wendell Eugene (Joe) Swann, 85, passed away on June 13, 2014 in Coleman, Texas. He was born on August 10, 1928 to James Edward and Lessie Swann in Gainsville, Texas, the youngest of two boys.

Joe was a gifted athlete in high school and college, earning All-American honors in football at Panola Junior College where he was also enshrined into their Sports Hall of Fame. His junior and senior years he attended the University of North Texas where he was named All Conference Receiver in 1950 and 1951, and as an All American Honorable Mention in 1951. While at North Texas he met and married Nancy Jane Lovelace in 1952. They had four children together, Judy, Jerri, Jill, and Alan, but their marriage was cut short in 1990 due to cancer. Upon receiving his degree from University of North Texas, he dedicated his professional career to teaching and coaching in Texas high schools, including Lockhart, Cuero, and Odessa (Hood Junior High School). After retiring from teaching, Joe married Nell Livingston in 1997 and spent their retirement at their ranch in Santa Anna, Texas. He and Nell very much enjoyed living and working at the ranch in Santa Anna and loved sharing their outdoor life with their family. They recently moved to Coleman, Texas but still maintained their ranch in Santa Anna, working it every day.

Joe is preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy; his wife, Nancy; and his step-daughter, Terrie McClaine. Joe is survived by his wife, Nell; his daughter Judy Bates and her husband Larry, his daughter Jerri Melton and husband Tommy; his daughter Jill Lang and her husband Steven, his son Alan Swann and his wife Laura; Nell's son Joe Hamilton and wife Sabine, Nell's son Jimmy Hamilton and his wife Lana, Nell's daughter Troy Lynn Price and her husband Nathan, 19 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Monday, June 16, 2014, at First Baptist Church in Coleman, Texas located at 200 East College Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Heart Association.